Scottish lock gets his chance with Force

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force have made a host of changes to their matchday 23 to face the Chiefs at nib Stadium on Saturday from the side that beat the Kings in Round Seven.

Ross Haylett-Petty moves from blindside flank back into the second row and will partner with young Scottish lock, Lewis Carmichael, who has joined the team as injury cover. Matt Philip (foot) and Richie Arnold (calf) will both miss the game through injury.

Local product Richard Hardwick comes back into the starting side at No.8 with team captain Ben McCalman ruled out with shoulder soreness.

Experienced scrumhalf Ian Prior will make his first start of the season replacing Michael Ruru (ankle), while exciting young playmaker Luke Burton has been rewarded with his first start of the season, in the No.10 jersey.

Wallaby Luke Morahan returns to the fold on the left wing while Curtis Rona is back in the starting XV on the right wing replacing Chance Peni (groin).

In the reserves, Francois van Wyk will make his first appearance of the 2017 season and Brynard Stander returns from a shoulder injury. 21-year-old scrumhalf Mitch Short who also signed as injury cover earlier in the year is in line to make his Super Rugby debut.